Concert: Valdy (Doors: 6:00PM / Show: 7:00PM)

Concert: Doors open 6:00 pm, show 7:00 pm

The Grist Mill & Gardens invites you to experience an enchanted summer evening in the gardens surrounding our historic 1877 waterwheel-powered flour mill.  Although COVID restrictions are easing, we still encourage you to be mindful of the comfort level of those around you.

ARTIST BIO

Valdy, born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, Canada has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for almost 45 years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he’s a singer, guitarist and songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life.

Remembered for Play Me a Rock and Roll Song, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit.

Valdy’s recent CDs include “Contenders”, a collaboration with friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Gary Fjellgaard, with whom he has an absolute blast touring, and a solo release, “Viva Valdy: Live at Last”, a two-CD package, one live, one studio, with a total of 25 tunes, and a lyric booklet.

One of Canada’s most influential songwriters, Valdy’s composition A Good Song was recorded under the title Just a Man by the venerable Quincy Jones ( he sang lead on the recording!). Play Me a Rock and Roll Song has been recorded by a few artists, including John Kay of Steppenwolf.

Along the way, Valdy has taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia and been an often-invited performer at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas. His past television appearances include Canada AM and Open Mike with Mike Bullard. Valdy has also been a panelist on Front Page Challenge, and played a lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers original series.

KEY CONCERT SERIES INFO

Through the summer of 2021, the Grist Mill and Gardens at Keremeos will be hosting a variety of exceptional artists  in July, August and September for an evening concert series in our picturesque Historic Site. Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 6:00PM and concerts start at 7:00PM.

You are encouraged to bring your own blankets and low-rise lawn chairs; taller chairs are also welcome, but you may be asked to sit in the back to avoid obstructing the view of others. You’re welcome to bring your own water bottles (reusable or factory-sealed) but outside food or drinks are prohibited on site. The Grist Mill & Gardens will be operating a concession at each show.

Tickets will be available for sale at the Grist Mill front desk ($25 per show), by phone at 250-499-2888 during business hours (daily 10 AM-4 PM) or on this site. Some tickets may also be available at the door for each show, depending on availability, but a small surcharge will apply.